Present there on invitation were Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Jong Yong Su, minister of Labour, Kim Jong Suk, chairwoman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and others.

The Iranian ambassador said in his speech that the Iranian people joined the Korean people in celebrating the February holiday with splendor.

He noted that Kim Jong Il who made devoted efforts for the prosperity of the country always lives in the hearts of the people.

He referred to the fact that the friendly relations between Iran and the DPRK have steadily developed, and that the two countries have supported each other in international arenas from a common stand.

Saying that thanks to the dear respected Kim Jong Un, the revolutionary cause of his predecessors is successfully being carried forward, he hoped that only victory and glory would be in store for the government and people of the DPRK.

Yang Hyong Sop said it was an expression of deep reverence for Kim Jong Il that the Iranian friends joined the Korean people in marking the Day of the Shining Star.

He said that Kim Jong Il wisely led all works of the Party, state and army with his outstanding political ability and leadership ability to turn the country into an invincible socialist power.

He also noted that Kim Jong Un is wisely leading the struggle for building a thriving socialist nation true to the lofty intention of the great Generalissimos.

It is the steadfast stand of the government of the DPRK to further expand and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with Iran, guided by the idea of independence, friendship and peace, he stressed.